International Conference on "Building bridges in initial teacher education: Curriculum and Assessment; Theory and Practice; Schools and Universities" May 19-21, 2017
In examining how pre-service teacher education programmes in Pakistan might be developed, challenges, as in other educational systems, have been revealed in aligning curriculum with assessment, theory with practice and schools working with universities. Together, schools and Universities, can support practical skill development and equip teachers to become reflective practitioners, rather than merely ensuring that they meet the academic standards of knowing and understanding how to be a teacher. To ensure that Pakistani education benefits from international thinking about effective teaching, such as student-centred active learning methods, University tutors, cooperative teachers, head teachers need to work together in partnership to build confidence and a shared understanding of how these methods can work as to enhance Pakistani education and, hence, be in the best position to support trainee teachers in invigorating the Pakistani teaching profession (British Knowledge Exchange Project Report, 2016). Additionally, for the future, we need a new assessment policy which expands assessment beyond the current measurements of knowledge recall in examinations to include assessment of practical competency and a deep understanding of the work of a teacher. This should include evidence collection of how new teachers are meeting the Pakistani teacher standards, through observation and reflective portfolio building. To strengthen the support and assessment elements of our programmes we need to redesign partnership arrangements between schools and the education departments of the Universities/Colleges so that both academic and professional knowledge can be used to support new teachers.
With this background, the proposed international conference seeks to build bridges within pre-service teacher education programmes between theory and practice, curriculum and assessment, schools and Universities in the light of the latest practices and research findings from developing and developed countries of the world. It will provide opportunities for educationalists and researchers, with different experiences and perspectives, to explore frameworks for bringing the dimensions to pre-service teacher education into perfect harmony with one another and, hence, raise the quality of education in schools. An important component of this will be to examine the role of schools and universities in the development and training of the teachers, so building strong bridges to construct a knowledge economy about teacher education which can be shared more widely. The conference will itself be an opportunity for scholars working across the globe to establish sustainable relationships at individual and institutional level which can contribute to this knowledge economy. National and international speakers are invited to reflect on the challenges to pre-service teacher education which makes it difficult to align curriculum and assessment, theory and practice and school-university partnerships, as well as offering insights into opportunities and solutions based on their experiences.
The conference will initiate a multi-level dialogue amongst teacher educators, prospective teachers, cooperative teachers and heads of schools affiliated to the universities to inform a redevelopment of the pre-service teacher education system in Pakistan. The quality and standard of initial teacher education has repercussions for the whole education system going forward and the outcomes for children in Pakistani schools. There is a growing realisation that the development of individuals and of communities depends on the quality of education. It is a powerful force that helps nations to progress, develop and become prosperous. The Punjab Higher Education Commission is playing its part in working to improve the higher education system in Punjab and has taken several steps to improve the status and professional development of teachers. These steps include Faculty Development Programs, Higher Education Scholarships, Research Grants, Travel Grants, funding for seminars, workshops and conferences to build the capacities of teachers. It is time to tackle initial teacher education by debating effective, alternativeframeworks and building understanding of how to ensure real participation of all the stakeholders in bridging between curriculum and assessment, theory and practice and the work of schools with universities.
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Abstract information:
Abstracts to be prepared in Microsoft Word format, font size 12 in Times New Roman throughout. Maximum word count 500 words. Please provide a title for the presentation and indicate which theme(1, 2 or 3) it relates to. APA referencing conventions are to be followed as the current (5th edition) American Psychological Association (APA).
Presentation information:
Each paper presentation will be of 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for Questions and Answers.The presentation materials, as well as an option to produce a full paper for wider distribution, are requested in advance of the conference. Details about the requirements for the paper will be provided on approval of the abstract.
Important Dates:
Abstract submission: February 20, 2017
Approval of abstract: March 15, 2017
Submission of full length paper and/or presentations: May 1, 2017. NO PAPER WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE.
Registration
Payment type |
Early Bird** till May 5th 2017 |
On Desk Registration |
Students
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Rs. 500 |
Rs. 1000 |
Faculty
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Rs. 1000 |
Rs. 1500 |
E-mail addresses for sending abstract (please cc to all addresses):
Dr. Najeebullah, Conference Coordinator Ph: 051-9270050-58, ext. 144 [email protected] |
Dr. Malik Ghulam Behlol Cell. 0323-5067184 |
Dr. Salma Nazar Khan Ph. 051-9270050-58, ext. 199 |